Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “next” in Brazilian Portuguese! Whether you want to communicate formally or informally, we’ll cover all the variations while providing tips, examples, and regional insights. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Next”
When it comes to formal situations, such as professional settings or formal interactions, there are a few different ways to express “next” in Brazilian Portuguese:
- Próximo – This is the most common and standard word to convey “next.” It is used universally across Brazil, and you can rely on it in any formal context. For instance:
Na próxima semana, teremos uma reunião importante. (Next week, we will have an important meeting.)
Seguinte – Although less common than “próximo,” “seguinte” can also be used in formal situations, particularly in written or technical contexts. For example:
No capítulo seguinte, abordaremos esse tema com mais detalhes. (In the next chapter, we will discuss this topic in more detail.)
Informal Ways to Say “Next”
When it comes to less formal or colloquial situations, Brazilians tend to use different expressions to convey “next.” Here are a few informal alternatives:
- Depois – This word translates to “after” or “later,” but it is often used to mean “next” in a more relaxed setting. It’s widely used in conversation and casual contexts. For example:
Vamos ao cinema hoje e ao parque de diversões depois? (Shall we go to the movies today and the amusement park next?)
Logo – In informal conversations, “logo” is frequently used as an alternative for “next.” It’s more commonly heard in certain regions of Brazil and can replace “próximo” in everyday situations. Here’s an example:
Depois da aula, vamos para a praia. Logo passamos na sorveteria. (After class, let’s go to the beach. We’ll stop by the ice cream shop next.)
Em seguida – While slightly more formal than the previous examples, “em seguida” can still be used in informal contexts. It conveys the idea of “next” in a more structured way and is commonly used in spoken Portuguese. Here’s an example:
Vamos visitar o museu primeiro e, em seguida, iremos ao restaurante. (Let’s visit the museum first, and then we’ll go to the restaurant next.)
Regional Variations
Brazil is a vast country, and some regional differences in language use can be observed. Let’s explore how different regions express “next” in their respective variations of Brazilian Portuguese:
Southern Brazil
In the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, people often use the phrase “depois do próximo” to indicate “the one after next.” It’s a regional quirk that can sound peculiar to people from other regions. For example:
Eu já assisti a duas palestras, e agora estou ansioso para a do Paulo, mas quero muito a do Dr. José também. Quero assistir a do Dr. José, mas não antes da do Paulo, e sim depois do próximo. (I have already attended two lectures, and now I’m looking forward to Paulo’s, but I really want to attend Dr. José’s too. I want to attend Dr. José’s, but not before Paulo’s, rather the one after next.)
Northern and Northeastern Brazil
In the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil, it is common to hear the word “proximamente” being used to mean “next.” It is somewhat of an archaic term and may not be as frequently used in informal settings. Here’s an example:
Vamos marcar um encontro no fim de semana? Infelizmente, estou muito ocupado agora, mas proximamente estarei disponível. (Let’s schedule a meeting for the weekend? Unfortunately, I’m very busy right now, but next I’ll be available.)
Wrap Up
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “next” in Brazilian Portuguese across formal and informal contexts. Remember to use “próximo” and “seguinte” in formal situations, while “depois,” “logo,” and “em seguida” are commonly used in informal conversations. Additionally, be aware of regional variations such as “depois do próximo” and “proximamente” in the southern, northern, and northeastern regions of Brazil.
Keep practicing these expressions in conversations or while studying Portuguese, and you’ll soon find yourself sounding more fluent and comfortable with how to say “next” in Brazilian Portuguese. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
